The only difference between Chip Kelly's Oregon and Mark Helfrich's Oregon are the visor (or lack thereof) and the vegetables (intake has increased). Otherwise, the new Ducks are "99.2% … in lockstep" with the old Ducks, per Helfrich, who helped UO go 46-7 under Kelly from 2009-12.

Why would Helfrich change a thing, especially when he played a prime role in the program's bull rush to annual championship contention? The offense maintains the same flavor; in fact, it could be even quicker, thanks to an added dose of experience at quarterback and the offensive line. The defense remains attacking, defined by its edge burst and stoppers at cornerback. For all that has changed, more has remained the same.

I have the Ducks rolling through the regular season undefeated, taking care of business against the weaklings and dealing USC its lone regular season loss in early November. I then see Oregon repeating that feat a month later in the Pac-12 title game. From that point, it's another date with the winner of the SEC West – as in 2010, when the Ducks met Auburn. Could Oregon beat LSU or Alabama? We'll see when we get there. The important fact: Oregon is talented enough, experienced enough, deep enough and has the sort of coaching needed to get a second shot at the national championship in three years. Here come the Ducks – and don't blink, or you'll miss 'em.

2012 RECAP

— In a nutshell: Two teams had the wherewithal to beat Alabama in 2013: Texas A&M is one, of course, since the Aggies actually did so in November; Oregon was the other, and it's unfortunate that a regular-season loss to Stanford kept the Ducks from a second championship game berth in three years. Stanford wasn't merely the lone opponent to take out Oregon – it was the only opponent to sniff Oregon, which had its way with the rest of the schedule to notch its third 12-win season in a row. The offense was elite, as you may have noticed. The defense was extremely strong, considering it faced the 12th-most plays of any team in the FBS – the Ducks finished 44th in yards allowed per game but only 26th in yards allowed per play. It was a banner season marred by one loss, in overtime, against another premier opponent. Could the Ducks have gotten the better of the Crimson Tide? The saddest part: We'll never know.

— High point: Oregon caved in five ranked opponents: Arizona (49-0), Washington (53-21), USC (62-51), Oregon State (48-24) and Kansas State (35-17), the latter in the Fiesta Bowl.

— Low point: The loss to Stanford.

— Tidbit: Oregon has scored less than 31 points in a game only four times during the last three years: Stanford in 2012, LSU in 2011 and California and Auburn in 2010. Overall, the Ducks scored less than 30 points only 12 times during Kelly's entire tenure with the program, which began as the Ducks' offensive coordinator in 2007.

— Tidbit (pretty good edition): Oregon has lost seven games in the last four years. The largest margin of defeat among these seven setbacks was 13 points, in a 40-27 loss to LSU to kick off the 2011 season. Three of the losses came by a field goal: Stanford (17-14) in 2012, USC (38-35) in 2011 and Auburn (22-19) in the 2011 BCS championship game.

— Tidbit (good omens edition): Oregon wins when it runs the football effectively. It also wins when it prevents opponents from doing the same. Since 2009, the Ducks are 21-0 when gaining at least 300 yards on the ground. During the same span, the Ducks are 16-0 when holding the opposition to less than 100 yards rushing.

— Mark Helfrich (Southern Oregon '96), entering his first season. Helfrich inherits a monster: Oregon has gone 46-7 in the past four years, winning three conference titles and reaching four BCS bowls in a row, taking home the last pair. With the keys to the castle come expectations, of course, and Helfrich's goal will be to maintain Oregon's place among the elite programs in college football – and though not a blueblood, the Ducks' recent run has moved them into very select company. Having a supremely talented roster and nearly foolproof system in place helps matters; what should make Helfrich's ascension to the top job even smoother is his knowledge of all that makes Oregon tick.

He spent the past four years as the Ducks' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, doing heavy lifting in the latter capacity while taking his cue on offense from Kelly, who remained very focused on his team's offensive production. Helfrich, along with Kelly, led the Ducks' attack on a rocketing climb: Oregon averaged 36.08 points per game in 2009, 47.0 points in 2010, 46.07 points in 2011 and 49.62 points per game last fall, the latter a school record. Oregon's quarterback play also improved dramatically under Helfrich, which each pupil – first Jeremiah Masoli, then Darron Thomas, now Mariota – exceeding his predecessor's production. Helfrich's work on offense boosted his in-house candidacy as Kelly's replacement, should that have come to pass; it was his overall familiarity with the program, knowledge of the roster and awareness of the program's core values that made him a no-brainer hire after Kelly left for the NFL after last season.

Helfrich's prior FBS experience included two stops in the Pac-12, first at Arizona State (2001-5), where he coached the quarterbacks, and then at Colorado (2006-8), where he served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He also spent three seasons at Boise State (1998-2000) as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach, serving under Dirk Koetter; he then followed Koetter to ASU. What's one thing to note? For the first time since 1996, when he tutored the running backs at Southern Oregon, Helfrich will coach from the sidelines, not from a box. Anything else? Yes: Oregon isn't going anywhere.

— Tidbit (coaching edition): Several longtime Oregon assistants return in the same position: Nick Aliotti is back as defensive coordinator, Steve Greatwood as offensive line coach, Gary Campbell with the running backs, Don Pellum the linebackers, John Neal the secondary and Tom Osborne the tight ends and special teams. There was also one slight alteration: Scott Frost – who is going places, and perhaps soon – was promoted from receivers coach to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, though Helfrich, like Kelly before him, will remain hands-on with the offense. Then there are the two newcomers: Matt Lubick will coach the receivers after doing a wonderful job in the same position at Duke, and former Iowa assistant Ron Aiken will lead the defensive line.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

— Offense: Sophomore Marcus Mariota enters 2013 with a strong shot at the Heisman Trophy, a quest partially waylaid last fall by – you know – the other redshirt freshman quarterback who rewrote the record books. Over in Pacific Time, the Ducks' rookie was doing some rewriting of his own: Mariota tossed 32 touchdowns, a Pac-12 freshman record; ran for 752 yards, an Oregon quarterback record; completed 68.45% of his attempts, the second-best freshman mark in FBS history; accounted for 3,429 yards of total offense, the second-most in UO history; and scored 228 points, setting a school record. He enters 2013 with confidence and motivation, along with heavy doses of poise, command, touch, athleticism and explosiveness – so, from top to bottom, Oregon houses one of the nation's premier quarterbacks. So how can Mariota improve? Simple experience will yield an uptick in numbers, but beyond the statistics, Mariota can take a firmer grasp of this offense, leading by example, and take on a larger role in the running game. There are few better in the FBS; at the same time, there may be no other quarterback with a higher ceiling.

Marcus Mariota is one of two Heisman Trophy contenders on this offense, joining running back De'Anthony Thomas.(Photo: Scott Olmos, USA TODAY Sports)

De'Anthony Thomas remains a lovable enigma: Thomas is a running back who can't bulldoze 20-plus carries with regularity; a wide receiver who excels in space but averaged only 9.89 yards per reception in 2012; a game-changing skill player who needs to be fed but only to a point – because Oregon wants to keep Thomas full but also fresh, creating a never-ending quest for balance. The good news, however, is that Thomas is unstoppable. Will he see more time in the backfield in 2013, as UO looks to replace Kenjon Barner? I'd think so, though Thomas – who has other duties – will need help carrying the load. Enter sophomore Byron Marshall (447 yards), who will provide some smash to Thomas' dash; the Ducks also have junior Ayele Ford (139 yards) and five-star true freshman Thomas Tyner, though Tyner is running low on the depth chart heading into the opener. Am I not giving this backfield the love they deserve? Let's be honest: I nitpicked a touch on Thomas, but he's one of the premier players in college football – and this backfield is the best in the Pac-12.

Thomas will continue to see a large role in the passing game, which returns the majority of its prime contributors from a year ago. The leader is senior Josh Huff (32 receptions for 493 yards), who has developed into the Ducks' go-to target, but the receiver corps is defined by the number of quality options at Mariota's disposal. To me, this is Oregon's best receiver corps in recent memory – read: As far back as I can remember. There's Huff and Thomas, two game-breaking targets. There's senior Daryle Hawkins (25 for 202) and junior Keanon Lowe (22 for 244), who will join Huff in the starting lineup. There's sophomore Bralon Addison (22 for 243), who will push Hawkins for snaps, followed by junior Eric Dungy and sophomores B.J. Kelley and Dwayne Stanford. Then there are the freshmen, led by Chance Allen, and incoming rookies Devon Allen and Darren Carrington could grow into roles during the course of the season – or redshirt, thanks to the Ducks' depth at the position. Oh, before I forget: Colt Lyerla (25 for 392) is one of the best tight ends in the country.

— Defense: The one key thing to note about this defense: UO has one sophomore starter – or, put another way, 10 juniors and seniors in the starting lineup. Another thing: Oregon could conceivably use only two or three freshmen in any significant roles on defense, mostly in the back seven. Can I add one more thing? Although there are some stars gone up front and at linebacker, I see more than enough returning talent and depth for UO to do more than just tread water; I think this defense could – or even should – be better than it was a year ago, when it stood as one of the most underrated units in college football. Did I mention that Nick Aliotti is back for another round?

The defensive front does lose a disruptor in Dion Jordan, true, but the Ducks' top core remains as experienced as any group in the Pac-12. Perhaps the biggest development up front is the growth seen in three sophomores: Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Alex Balducci. At times overwhelmed by immediate roles last fall, this trio will help create an extremely strong and consistent eight-man rotation up front – with Armstead set for a starting role, thereby moving senior Ricky Heimuli into a spot as the Ducks' third tackle. With Armstead and senior Wade Keliikipi the starters and Heimuli and Balducci in reserve, the Ducks can feel enormous confidence in four interior linemen. On the outside, UO brings back senior Taylor Hart (36 tackles, 8.0 sacks), a returning starter and all-conference lock, while promoting junior Tony Washington (20 tackles) into Jordan's former starting role. Buckner – who spent time inside last fall – and fellow sophomore Christian French stand as the top backups heading into the opener. I don't understand how anyone could question the viability of this defensive front.

Now, I can understand the concerns circling around UO's linebackers. The Ducks return only one starter, senior strong side linebacker Boseko Lokombo (39 tackles, 4.5 for loss), and he'll need to lead an otherwise raw group through a learning curve in September. It'll be interesting to see where UO goes on the weak side, where junior Derrick Malone gets the nod for Nicholls State. Malone apprenticed behind Michael Clay a year ago, increasing his comfort level in this defense, but could sophomore Tyson Coleman – again running behind Lokombo on the strong side – eventually force his way into a starting role on the outside? Better yet, could Malone be unseated by Joe Walker, should the JUCO transfer hit the ground running during non-conference play? It's also interesting to note the shift at linebacker, where junior Rodney Hardrick, sophomore Rahim Cassell and true freshman Tyrell Robinson will give UO a touch more athleticism but less size than the former starter, Kiko Alonso.

Stanford's secondary is wonderful. Oregon's is better. The Ducks' defensive backfield returns intact, losing only John Boyett, a former all-conference pick who missed all but one game of 2012. UO also brings back senior free safety Avery Patterson (44 tackles, 3 interceptions), who missed the final three games of last fall due to injury. The bottom line: UO doesn't lack for talent and depth across the board. Patterson and senior strong safety Brian Jackson (69 tackles, 2 interceptions) patrol the back end, spelled by a supremely valuable third safety and sub-package weapon in junior Erick Dargan (54 tackles, 5 interceptions). On the outside, the Ducks return junior Terrance Mitchell (40 tackles), an all-conference lock, and junior Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (63 tackles, 4 interceptions), an All-American. Ekpre-Olomu might be the best cornerback in the FBS. Good news and bad news: Dior Mathis and Troy Hill would start for 100 FBS teams; they'll play backup to Mitchell and Ekpre-Olomu in Eugene, though each will see huge roles when Oregon adds extra defensive backs. Best secondary in the Pac-12? With a bullet. Best in the FBS? It's easy to make that case.

— Special teams: Senior Alejandro Maldonado will take over punting duties from Jackson Rice, who was an All-American when on his game – and spotty when not. Maldonado should also serve as the Ducks' kicker, though it will be interesting to see if freshman Matt Wogan, one of the nation's top kicking recruits, eventually takes that job away from the senior during the course of the season. Wogan will handle kickoffs, however, which should lead to an increase in production. The return game is obviously dangerous, seeing that Thomas is back on kickoffs and punts; the numbers won't prove this out, however, since teams will routinely kick short, kick squibs or kick out of bounds to prevent Thomas and friends from any game-changing returns.

POSITION(S) TO WATCH

— Offensive line: The interior will take on a different look without Kyle Long, Ryan Clanton and Nick Cody, three former seniors who headlined the middle of Oregon's line in 2012. Any worries? Not on my end. For one, the Ducks return a burgeoning All-American in sophomore left tackle Tyler Johnstone, a likely All-American in junior Hroniss Grasu and a sure all-conference pick in junior right tackle Jake Fisher – and I may be selling Fisher short. Oregon also brings back every piece of last year's two-deep minus the three seniors; better yet, this year's rotation will include only two seniors, one a starter, so there's reason to expect further improvement during the course of the season. There will be new starters at guard, with senior Mana Greig will step in at left guard and junior Hamani Stevens at right. I was somewhat surprised that Greig ended up in the starting lineup over sophomore Andre Yruretagoyena, who had a superb 2012 season on the scout team, but UO obviously values Greig's past starting experience. To me, the lone sticking point could be on the second tier at tackle, with true freshman Cameron Hunt behind Fisher on the right side and sophomore Matt Pierson behind Johnstone on the left. I'm not sure if either would be ready for extensive playing time should the two starters miss any major time. On the other hand, UO's interior depth is terrific.

GAME(S) TO WATCH

— Stanford: The victor gets the Pac-12 North Division and a clear path to the national championship game. The loser gets an at-large BCS bid. This year's date with the Cardinal comes at Stanford, where Oregon has won four of five – and while times change, this is still noteworthy. Obviously, this stands right alongside Alabama and Texas A&M as the defining regular-season game of 2013. The key for the Ducks will be avoid slipups against the rest of the schedule, of course, which includes dates with Tennessee, UCLA, Arizona and rival Oregon State.

SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION

— In a nutshell: There are a number of reasons to think Oregon will be even better in 2013. One is the level of returning talent and experience on both sides of the ball: UO brings back its heart on offense, minus Barner, and has the front and secondary to take another step forward on defense. At the same time, Helfrich has seamlessly moved into the top spot, maintaining the same feel, style, tempo and mentality that have defined the Ducks' four-year run. Little has changed – well, Kelly's gone, but that alone is not reason to believe this team will relinquish its perch among the elite programs in college football.

I'll just say this: I have Oregon at No. 4 because I think Stanford wins at home in November. That's it, really. I can't quibble with the coaching. I adore the offense. I think very highly of the defense. The kicking game is a bit of a worry, but let's remember: Rice was average in 2012 after a huge 2011, the Ducks won't attempt many field goals and Wogan can help amend the Ducks' issues on kickoffs. I think UO's special teams will be improved, in fact. There is nothing to dislike, everything to love, and plenty of reasons to think the Ducks will take home the national championship in 2013.

It's unfortunate that one of Oregon and Stanford won't even reach that point – if not both, which is obviously a possibility. How can one pick one over the other? It's not easy. Again, home-field advantage tilts the North in the Cardinal's favor, in my opinion. But that's the only game I think UO even has a chance of losing, barring injuries or the unforeseeable; on the other hand, Stanford does get USC on the road and Notre Dame in the finale. Yes, this is me hedging my bets. Oregon is clearly a powerhouse team with the offense, defense and coaching to run the table and win the national title. Yes, little has changed.

— Dream season: Oregon beats Stanford in November and reaches the BCS championship game, where we finally land our much-awaited date between the Ducks and the Crimson Tide.

— Nightmare season: The Ducks lose to Stanford, UCLA and Oregon State, falling to 9-3 during the regular season.

UP NEXT

— Who is No. 3? This team's coach has the 30th-most wins in NCAA history among coaches whose last name starts with the same letter as the coach in question. (So if we were hinting to Washington State and Mike Leach, it would be coaches whose last name starts with the letter 'L.')

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50. East Carolina: The Pirates join Marshall and Tulsa as the three best teams in Conference USA. Look for the season finale between the Pirates and the Thundering Herd to determine the East Division. Can ECU be one of the more surprising teams to come out of Conference USA? Without a doubt: ECU is very potent offensively and should have its best defense under fourth-year coach Ruffin McNeill, so a conference championship is very much a possibility.
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49. Louisiana-Lafayette: This team's excellent offense and strong defense makes it the favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference championship. This is one thing missing during coach Mark Hudspeth's otherwise superb two-year tenure with the program. While the Ragin' Cajuns' have some issues with the kicking game, that shouldn't prevent this team from winning eight or nine games during the regular season.
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48. San Diego State: SDS's schedule should prevent another season with nine wins, but the Aztecs are easily one of the top three teams in the Mountain West Conference and a threat to Fresno State in the West Division. Games against Ohio State, Oregon State, Fresno State and Boise State should end in defeat, but the majority of the Mountain West lacks SDSU's talent, experience and solid coaching.
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47. Mississippi: Ole Miss returns 18 starters, the most in the SEC, and reeled in one of the nation's best recruiting classes on national signing day. Will it be enough to join Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU in the race for the SEC West Division championship? It would not be wise to doubt coach Hugh Freeze, but the Rebels might need another year (and another recruiting class) before challenging for the SEC championship.
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46. Ball State: The Cardinals have gone 15-10 under coach Pete Lembo, winning nine games and reaching a bowl in 2012
The offense, led by quarterback Keith Wenning, should be one of the MAC's three best. To beat Northern Illinois and Toledo, the Cardinals must improve defensively.
Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports

45. North Carolina: UNC enters year two under coach Larry Fedora with one of the ACC's best offenses but continued question marks on the defensive side of the ball. To return to the top of a crowded Coastal Division, UNC must do a better job stopping the run and forcing turnovers. While the Tar Heels have 10-win potential, a tough first half could lead to a fourth-place finish in the division.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY Sports

44. Toledo: The program has reeled in the MAC's top recruiting class not merely once but in each of the past four years, according to the rankings compiled by Rivals.com. This year's seniors have gone 26-13 during the past three seasons
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

43. Arizona State: Quite clearly a Pac-12 South and Rose Bowl contender, a team with athleticism to burn on both sides of the ball, increased familiarity with the second-year coaching staff and the sort of next-level talent– any national challenger needs to weather the storm.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

42: UCF: This team joins the American Athletic Conference, along with three others former Conference USA rivals, and immediately becomes one of two strongest challengers to Louisville's place atop the league. Surprisingly, the Knights' issues are on defense, long an area of strength for the program. The offense, on the other hand, might be the American's best overall unit.
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41. Washington: This team already has the talent needed to challenge Stanford and Oregon for the Pac-12 North Division and a spot in the Rose Bowl. What the Huskies need is time to develop the many redshirt freshmen, sophomores and juniors set for starting or key reserve roles. With only two seniors set for starting jobs, UW might be a year away from reaching its full potential.
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40. Marshall: The program of Donnan and Pruett, Pennington and Leftwich enters the 2013 season with its highest expectations in more than a decade. After some fits and starts under fourth-year coach Doc Holliday – a step forward, two steps back – Marshall has the talent and offensive direction to storm through a reworked and revamped Conference USA and challenge for nine or more wins during the regular season.
2013-07-29-marshall

39. Ohio: There's no ignoring the Bobcats' talent and experience in the secondary. Returning cornerbacks like Carrie and Shaw, along with Wells and Fisher, give the Bobcats depth at the position unmatched – or even neared – by any rival in the MAC.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

38. Vanderbilt: The Commodores won nine games for the first in nearly a century last season, with five wins against the SEC. Last year's team finished 20th in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, and compiled the nation's 19th-best recruiting class, according to Rivals.com.
Mark Humphrey, AP

37. Penn State: The Nittany Lions will need to replace eight starters, and the roster will lean more and more on non-scholarship players to augment smaller recruiting classes. The players will change, the standards might change, but the formula will remain the same: Coach Bill O'Brien will develop skill players, putting his talent in position to succeed, and weather the storm with every tool at his disposal.
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36. Oregon State: Last season marked a nice return to the status quo. OSU was picked sixth in the Pac-12 North Division – last, behind Washington State – and won nine games, ending the year in third place in the North, inside the top 20 nationally, back on the national radar. So what happens when the Beavers, picked third in the 2013 preseason poll, are handed logical expectations?
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35. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets' offense is more diverse and dynamic than it often gets credit for being. Sophomore Vad Lee, who has shown aptitude as a passer in addition to running chops, is the likely QB.
In terms of career starts among its players, Georgia Tech is the FBS' third-most experienced team.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports

34. Cincinnati: The Bearcats have a new coach, Tommy Tuberville, but enough returning talent and experience to challenge Louisville for the American Athletic Conference championship. Cincinnati also has one of the nation's easiest schedules, and could start 8-0 before hitting a snag in November. The season finale against Louisville could decide a Bowl Championship Series berth.
Al Behrman, AP

33. Baylor: The team's offense will continue to rank among the nation's best despite a change at quarterback, with junior Bryce Petty stepping into a starting role. Whether the Bears can leap into the Bowl Championship Series conversation depends on the play of a questionable if talented defense.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

32. Brigham Young: BYU has one of the best defenses in college football, which should help the Cougars survive what will again be one of the toughest schedules in the country. But to gain a national ranking, BYU needs help from new starting quarterback Taysom Hill and the rest of the offense.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

31. Wisconsin: This team has a new coach, Gary Andersen, but the standards won’t change. The Badgers have won three Big Ten titles in a row and reached three consecutive Rose Bowls, and enters 2013 with the same sense of purpose despite the new staff. But to get back to Pasadena, Wisconsin needs to choose a starting quarterback and solve some personnel issues in the defensive backfield.
Andy Manis, AP

30. UCLA: Jim Mora led the Bruins to the Pac-12 South Division title, upending USC in the process, marking his debut campaign a nearly unqualified success. With key returners and recruits, the next step is moving past the rival Trojans.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

29. TCU: The Horned Frogs will deal with inexperience, youth and attrition – so it's similar to 2012, if to a lessened degree. In many ways, whether the Horned Frogs can regain their place in the championship picture hinges on one factor: whether TCU is stronger for last year's growing pains.
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28. Miami: This team enters 2013 with its best chance at an ACC championship in several years. But to reach that point, the Hurricanes must augment a very prolific offense with a stronger defense. For now, Miami has the weapons to score points on any team in the ACC but can’t be viewed as a championship contender until a young and untested defense rounds into form.
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27. Michigan State: The Spartans continue to house one of the nation’s best defenses, a group more than good enough to lift this team to the Rose Bowl. To rebound from last season’s disappointing seven-win finish, Michigan State must land more production from quarterback Andrew Maxwell and a stable of four or five backs battling to replace Le’Veon Bell.
Al Goldis, AP

26. Tulsa: The Golden Hurricane should be viewed as a heavy favorite to win another Conference USA championship. Tulsa has bigger goals, however, and could conceivably reach the Bowl Championship Series with a strong September against opponents like Oklahoma and Iowa State. For now, this team has too many issues on defense and is too reliant on freshmen for depth to be considered more than a contender for a national ranking.
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25. Fresno State: The team’s offense will be one of the best in the country. Quarterback Derek Carr, the third-year starter, should be viewed as an All-American contender and a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate. Whether the Bulldogs can win more than 10 games hinges on the defense’s ability to replace several stars, including an All-American at safety. The season will come down to two games against Boise State, one in the regular season and another in Mountain West Conference title game, should the Bulldogs reach that point.
Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports

24. Kansas State: This year's squad enters a rebuilding year, a season far removed from last year's 11 wins, Big 12 title and Fiesta Bowl berth. Ten returning starters? No Heisman Trophy contenders? No All-American linebacker? The basic tune remains the same, just altered for 2013: KSU was questioned heading into last September. There's no reason to doubt Bill Snyder. The Wildcats were picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 in 2011 and finished second, and were picked to finish sixth last fall but finished first.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

23. Virginia Tech: The Hokies looks to rebound after winning only seven games, four in the ACC, a season ago. The offense has some depth issues at wide receiver and needs a big year from Logan Thomas. But the defense is one of the best in the ACC and one of the best in the entire country.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports

22. Northwestern: The Wildcats went 10-3 and won a bowl game in 2012 to enter this season with high confidence. Northwestern has a wonderful amount of talent on offense, especially at quarterback and running back. To win the Big Ten, the Wildcats must beat Nebraska and Michigan during the regular season.
Phil Sears, USA TODAY Sports

21. Northern Illinois: The Huskies remain the clear and undisputed leader in the MAC for another year, coaching change or no, and is once again a major threat for 12 or 13 wins and an at-large BCS bid.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

20. Oklahoma State: OSU has offense to spare but a few issues on defense. Is the offense alone good enough to win the Big 12? Maybe, especially if Texas and Oklahoma continue to tread water. But the Cowboys are not a complete team until the defense joins the offense.
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19. Southern California: USC looks to rebound after a painful 2012 season that began with enormous promise but ended at 7-6, behind UCLA in the Pac-12 South Division. To return to the championship race, the Trojans must find a new starting quarterback and land steady play from more than a dozen underclassmen set to hold major roles on offense and defense.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

18. Michigan: UM has more than enough talent to win the Big Ten Legends Division and play for a Rose Bowl berth, especially if quarterback Devin Gardner limits his turnovers. But the Wolverines are still very young at several key positions, so developing this youthful talent is the biggest key for the coming season.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports

17. LSU: The program hired Cam Cameron as its new offensive coordinator, hoping the former Baltimore Ravens assistant can breathe life into a predictable unit. At the same time, LSU's proud defense faces some questions along the defensive line, which is traditionally a strength. While the Tigers might struggle at times, this team remains a BCS threat.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports

16. Louisville: The Cardinals have the luxury of playing one of the nation's weakest schedules. At the same time, the Cardinals realize one loss will end their championship hopes. Expectations are high, but with coach Charlie Strong and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, anything is possible.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports

15. Oklahoma: The Sooners need to settle on a starting quarterback before moving to the defense, which is once again short on bodies along the line. Another issue is the secondary, which must replace three starters. But the team as a whole remains dangerous inside and out of the Big 12.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

14. Florida: UF has a defense worthy of a national championship but an offense with some major question marks. For example, is quarterback Jeff Driskel ready to take the next step? If so, does he have the receivers to make this passing game click? With a tough schedule, any chance Florida has at playing for the national championship hinges on the growth of this offense.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports

13. Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish return much of the same team that went 12-1 a season ago but are less explosive on both sides of the ball. To make another charge at the national championship, Notre Dame must land steady play from quarterback Tommy Rees and be equally stout on defense without All-American linebacker Manti Te’o.
Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports

12. Texas: The Longhorns should be viewed as the top team in the Big 12 and national championship contenders. Whether UT can finally break out of its slump depends entirely on the play of a defense three or four years removed from its glory days. With the offense turning a corner, the Longhorns’ defense is the lone missing piece of the puzzle. Overall, however, Texas is one of the most experienced teams in the country.
Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports

11. Nebraska: Coach Bo Pelini, a lover of shutouts, leads a team almost wholly defined by its immensely talented offense. It's an offense to love, one with a senior quarterback, a 1,000-yard back, an elite receiver corps and a stout offensive front, but nevertheless – it's an offense, and Pelini viewed offenses with nothing short of disdain for every second of his pre-Nebraska career.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports

10. Clemson: The team lost leading receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the NFL in the offseason, but it has Sammy Watkins (shown) -- one of college football's top pass catchers -- back this season. And it also has senior quarterback Tajh Boyd, a legitimate Heisman trophy candidate throwing. That combination has helped Clemson become one of the ACC's top BCS candidates.
Joshua S. Kelly, USA TODAY Sports

9. Boise State: Quarterback Joe Southwick outruns two Washington defenders in last year's MAACO Bowl. Boise State enters the 2013 season with Southwick returning as its starting quarterback, which bodes well for the season. The Broncos are 51-2 under coach Chris Petersen in seasons when they've returned their starting QB.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

8. Florida State: FSU will lean on some of the nation's best depth to survive losses like quarterback EJ Manuel and defensive ends Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine, among others. But the Seminoles' recruiting efforts will help this team survive despite the losses, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on redshirt freshman Jameis Winston, the replacement for Manuel at quarterback.
Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports

7. Texas AM: Johnny Manziel alone makes this offense one of the nation's best. In addition to the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, however, Texas A&M has one of the nation's best tackles in Jake Matthews, a superb backfield and some of the best talent receiver talent in the FBS. What's separating A&M from Alabama is a defense, though the Aggies could score enough points to top the Crimson Tide and all comers to win the program's first national title since 1939.
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6. Georgia: This team has one of the nation's best offenses but must replace nine starters on defense. In a nightmare scenario, Georgia scores enough points to go undefeated but loses two or more games due ot an inability to stop opponents like Clemson, South Carolina and Florida. But if the young defense clicks, Georgia can win the national championship.
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5. South Carolina: This team has the schedule, talent, coaching and experience to win the SEC East Division and play for the conference championship. To get there, however, the Gamecocks need to land a healthy season from quarterback Connor Shaw. The defense, led by Jadeveon Clowney, will be one of the nation's best.
Curtis Wilson, USA TODAY Sports

4. Oregon: This team will remain among the elite programs in college football despite a coaching change, with former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mark Helfrich replacing Chip Kelly. The offense will continue to roll behind quarterback Marcus Mariota, running back De’Anthony Thomas and a seasoned offensive line. The defense is raw at linebacker but could have the nation’s best secondary. The season comes down to Oregon’s trip to Stanford in November.
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3. Ohio State: Urban Meyer set a shot across the bow of the rest of the Big Ten, the SEC and the entire FBS, rapidly moving OSU out of a short lull and back into the national championship conversation. After a 12-0 stance in 2012, what's next? Perhaps better results in 2013, as the Buckeyes bring back their core. QB Braxton Miller is a Heisman hopeful.
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2. Stanford: David Shaw's Cardinal have wonderful depth at every position. That, along with quarterback Kevin Hogan's growth, the line's continued improvement, the awesome front seven and wonderful secondary, makes Stanford one of the top teams in the FBS.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

1. Alabama: Alabama is the pick to win the 2013 national championship. Don't act surprised. While sliding in new faces at some new spots, the Crimson Tide are stocked, locked and loaded, ready for another run, ready to again plant its flag amid a shower of confetti in January. Don't be surprised. Alabama is again the nation's best team, against coached better than anyone, again propelled forward by wonderful leadership and again defined by its ability to put forward the sort of consistently balanced effort needed to throttle every opponent in its path. This team is no worse than last year's version; it's better in many areas, in fact, and extremely motivated to secure a unique spot in college football history.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports